TNT help?

[littlemac1]

First post so bear with me. I would love (need) a TNT on my bota but the dealer price is a little steep. I have a Grand L3130 with a 720 FEL. The dealer wants 1500.00+ for the install which I can't do at this time. Is there any resources online or otherwise that offers clear instructions on the install. If not then I'll have to wait and envy the ones that have it. Myself and a neighbor take care of about 1500 feet of road that our #$@* county wont take over and I think a TNT with my angle blade would be a big help. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MadReferee]

I have posted many times on how to install a stand alone aux valve to a tractor and there have been several posts on how to install the Kubota valves on a Grand L tractor. Installation usually requires removing the tire and maybe the fender. Total time is 3-5 hours.

My question for you is are you buying the Kubota kit or are you looking to roll your own with a stand alone aux valve? The reason I ask is that the list price for a 2 spool Kubota factory setup is about $1070 just for the parts and the third spool will cost you about $430 more for the parts. Installation is extra. $1500 for parts and labor for 2 spools may be a bit high but for 3 it's a bargin. You can roll your own with a stand alone valve for about $500 +/-.

BTW, those Kubota prices DO NOT include any cylinders or hoses, but the stand alone price does include hoses and fittings.

 

[littlemac1]

I wasn't planning on order the Kubota kit if I could get enough information that I felt confident in doing it myself. I just know very little about hydraulics and how to plumb the system. I couldn't find post specific to my tractor. I really appreciate your reply. I've picked up more good info here then anywhere I have gone.

 

[MadReferee]

The Kubota kit does have its advantages, for example it's a clean installation using existing slots in the fender panel with the plumbing to the remote quick disconnects is metal tubing that is fitted to the tractor and it's relatively easy to accomplish yourself.

You can add an aux valve block like the Prince SV but I can think of no advantages it has over the Kubota setup other than price. You will have to plumb using hoses which may have routing issues, you will have to figure out hose lengths and what fittings to buy, the installation will not be as neat as you cannot use the fender slots for the levers, and you must mount the aux valve on the fender or the ROPS which requires fabrication skills on your part.

People have done the aux valve route on Grand L's although it is not very common. I did it on my B series. I personally would choose the factory setup over the roll your own any day, even with the cost.

Since you indicated that you know little about hydraulics and the fact that installation will depend a lot on what valve you buy and where and how you plan to mount it, I would suggest that you go with the Kubota setup.

 

[littlemac1]

Well I appreciate the input. Probably saved me from getting in over my head or ending up with a setup I didn't really like since I tend to be particular about things like that. I guess I'll probably save and buy the kit from kubota. Thanks for taking the time.

 

[jmc]

Littlemac1,

I bought both the Kubota valve package and the Kubota TNT package. The valve package is very nice. I returned the TNT package for reasons I've posted in a two part thread. In 2003, that Kubota TNT package was $700 in addition to the valves.

John

 

[littlemac1]

Do clear instructions come with the valve and tnt packages from kubota? I do a lot of my own work but just don't know much about hydraulics. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[jmc]

Do clear instructions come with the valve and tnt packages from kubota? I do a lot of my own work but just don't know much about hydraulics. Thanks for all the help guys.

They were dealer installed options when I ordered the tractor.